This month, our character focus is Joyfulness. The operational definition of joyfulness is “delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances.”

When you delight in someone, you admire and appreciate him and enjoy being with that person. The same is true about your relationship with God.

Delighting in fellowship with Him produces a deep, consistent assurance that sustains a Christian through any situation. When you talk with the Lord, read His Word, and act on what He says, your heart will be encouraged. As you rest in the Lord and receive strength from Him, joy and peace will spring from fellowship with Him.

While happiness may look like joy, it disappears when life does not go well. A happy person’s emotional outlook fluctuates, depending upon what is happening, while the joyful person radiates hope and cheer despite changing circumstances. His attitude often refreshes and encourages those around him.